Obviously Ryan Malone and Steven Stamkos have started to come around in recent games, but keep an eye on Steve Eminger. The former high Capitals pick is finally starting to live up to his considerable offensive potential.

It may not come together in time to save this team's playoff ambitions, but we're starting to see some components of this team's future start to come together, both in Tampa and in Norfolk where there are a handful of players starting to get in line to make a move to the next level. Losses aside, I'm starting to get excited about some of the new foundation that is getting laid down.

Downie, who was recently acquired in the Steve Eminger deal, has 1 goal and 13 points to go with 51 penalty minutes in 10 AHL games this season between Norfolk and Philadelphia. The forward also appeared in six scoreless games amassing 11 penalty minutes for the Flyers prior to being dealt to the Lightning. The pesky winger has appeared in 38 career NHL games with 6 goals, 12 points, and 84 penalty minutes.

Smaby has 1 goal and 3 points in 17 games with Norfolk this season to go along with 22 penalty minutes. The stay-at-home defenseman played well with Tampa Bay down the stretch of last season and has played 14 career NHL games with 12 penalty minutes.

Both players offer to raise the grit and intensity level of a Lightning club recently accused of lacking those elements by Head Coach Rick Tocchet.

By Corine Gatti
Either they loved him or they hated winger/bruiser Steve Downie in Philadelphia. According to several postings and reactions of both Flyer fans and the American Hockey League Phantomsâ€™ bloggers â€“ most fans adored the 5-foot, 10-inch Newmarket, Ontario native. Some posted that they feared him on the opposing side after he was traded from Philadelphia to the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 7. At only 21-years of age, Downie has already amassed quite a reputation for seeing the penalty box and taking lengthy suspensions. The National Hockey League benched him for 20-games for his hit on Ottawaâ€™s Dean McAmmond during a preseason game with the Flyers last September. Downie's past has not eluded him. The American Hockey League suspended the winger for three games Wednesday after smashing Worchesterâ€™s defenseman Kyle McLaren from behind during the second period. Downie has only played six games with Norfolk.

The Downie package does have an upside. The right wing can play both sides of the rink. He is a strong skater and has the agility to put offensive numbers on the board, despite his frame. After the trade from the Philadelphia organization, Downie joined the Norfolk Admirals on their two-week road trip. He was paired with Zenon Konopka and notched three points during his first week.

The American Hockey League today announced that Tampa right wing prospect Steve Downie has been suspended for three (3) games as a result of his actions in a game at Worcester on Nov. 19. Downie was accessed a major penalty for boarding Shark's defenseman Kyle McLaren during the 2nd period of Wednesday night's game, and subsequently fought Worcester's Jason Demers after the hit.

Downie was suspended under the provisions of AHL Rule 29.1 (supplementary discipline).